"All are lunatics, but he who can analyze his delusions is called a philosopher." - Ambrose Bierce

Langeveldt: I of course blame their parents.. and unchecked immigration!GingerFurball: He's Austrian, they tend to produce the odd ****ed up individualBurgey: Be careful dealing with neighbours whose cars don't have wheels but whose houses do.Uppercut: Maybe I just need better strippers

"The PFA does not represent players when they have broken the law and been convicted on non-football matters."- Gordon Taylor in 2009 following Marlon King's release after a prison sentence for sexual assault & ABH

Most of the previous encounters have been draws haven't they? iirc the only exceptions are Italy's wins in the famous 4-3 WC semi-final in 1970 and the 2-0 semi in the 2006 WC. Actually, the latter is one of my favourite matches in the knock out stages of recent tournaments ('recent' meaning since 1986). Great 1st goal, superbly set up by Pirlo. Oh yes, and the 1982 WC final. I don't think Germany have ever beaten Italy in a tournament proper, but I don't see that bothering the current breed.

Funny times we live in. For years - since 1970, actually - every self-respecting English fan has wanted Germany to lose to whoever they were facing, even the thoroughly obnoxious Argentina side of 1990. Now we're all so bored with the alternatives that we're all big fans of the hun. Including me, which I never thought I'd say. Once they start winning tournaments they'll probably revert to arrogant and boringly efficient, but for the moment I'd be happy to see them win their next two games.

But this is one of the great European fixtures. Looking forward to it immensely.